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Have you ever watched a rookie step onto the NFL turf and wondered if they’re ready to handle the madness? Kansas City’s Nohl Williams isn’t just surviving—he’s quietly weaving his way into the Chiefs’ defensive fabric like a pro who’s been there before. Trent McDuffie’s recent take on Williams’ growth makes you pause: what separates a flash-in-the-pan rookie from someone with real staying power? Williams isn’t fumbling through the learning curve; he’s snapping on those pads with a head full of smarts, absorbing coaching like a sponge, and making plays that turn heads. In a league where rookie jitters can be as brutal as a blitz, this young cornerback’s brush with the big leagues might just be the start of something special. Let’s dive into what McDuffie sees in Williams—and why this cornerback might already be punching way above his weight.

JACKSONVILLE, FLORIDA - OCTOBER 06: Trent McDuffie #22 of the Kansas City Chiefs walks out of the tunnel before the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at EverBank Stadium on October 06, 2025 in Jacksonville, Florida. — (Photo by Mike Carlson/Getty Images)

Rookie cornerback Nohl Williams has provided the Kansas City Chiefs with steady contributions through the first nine games of the 2025 season. Williams has handled matchups against several quality passing attacks while continuing his development within Steve Spagnuolo’s defensive system.

Though his progress remains ongoing, he has established himself as a dependable piece in the secondary rotation. Trent McDuffie recently discussed what he has observed from Williams during the rookie’s adjustment to professional football.

McDuffie pointed to specific qualities that suggest Williams has the foundation to succeed at this level.

“I feel like any rookie coming into the NFL, it’s really hard… He’s got the right head on his shoulders, and he’s somebody where he just continuing to learn and grow. He takes the coaching points when he’s confused. He comes to the vets, and he’s been someone that, when they put him out there, he makes plays,” McDuffie said, per AtoZ Sports’ Charles Goldman.

Chiefs CB Trent McDuffie on Nohl Williams' growth: "I feel like any rookie coming into the NFL, it's really hard… He has the right head on his shoulders… He takes the coaching points… If he's confused, he comes to the vets… When we put him out there, he makes plays."

— Charles Goldman (@goldmctNFL) November 12, 2025

McDuffie emphasized that Williams has shown maturity beyond what most first-year players demonstrate early in their careers. Understanding the playbook represents only part of the transition, while grasping the responsibilities of being a professional requires a different level of commitment.

Williams has logged 148 defensive snaps for Kansas City this season. The presence of Williams on the outside has allowed McDuffie to move into the slot more frequently, taking advantage of his versatility and instincts in that role.

Spagnuolo has used this flexibility to manage matchups more effectively across different personnel groupings. Williams has recorded 22 total tackles with 10 solo stops and three passes defended through nine appearances.

He has been flagged for just two penalties, a low total for a rookie adjusting to the speed and physicality of NFL competition. At 23 years old, Williams plays with confidence and instincts that translate well to Spagnuolo’s scheme. His willingness to play physical man coverage and attack the ball in the air fits the style Kansas City prefers from its cornerbacks.

The post Trent McDuffie Gets Honest About Chiefs Rookie’s Growth appeared first on The Cold Wire.